Fluoroscopy operator protection device

ABSTRACT

A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient&#39;s body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/858,058, filed on Nov. 11, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/923,481, filed on Apr. 13, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to radiation protection devices to protect fluoroscopy operators and other medical personnel from radiation exposure during fluoroscopic imaging procedures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray imaging technique, has long been important as a medical diagnostic tool, particularly in disciplines where still X-rays do not provide sufficient diagnostic information of the movement and function of living, moving organs. Fluoroscopy is widely used in cardiology, electrophysiology, gastroenterology and orthopedics. With the recent growth in catheter-based interventional cardiology and radiology procedures, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of fluoroscopy. Many life saving interventional procedures would not be possible without the use of fluoroscopy. However, fluoroscopic imaging exposes the patient and attendant medical personnel to potentially harmful X-ray radiation. For the patient, some exposure to X-rays is necessary to produce the fluoroscopic images and the exposure is usually brief and infrequent. The benefit to the patient is sufficient to outweigh the potentially harmful effects of the X-ray radiation. However, medical personnel involved in fluoroscopic imaging are exposed to significant doses of X-ray radiation on a daily basis. This is particularly true for interventional cardiologists and radiologists who must work in close proximity to the patient who is undergoing fluoroscopic imaging and for orthopedists manipulating a joint while observing it under fluoroscopy.

X-ray exposure to medical personnel comes from two sources, direct exposure to the X-ray beam and scattered X-rays. Direct exposure occurs when the operator's hands or other body parts are placed in the X-ray beam while the fluoroscope is operating. X-ray scattering occurs when X-rays strike electrons in the patient's tissue and are deflected back and to the sides at angles that are not parallel to the incident beam. While scattered X-rays are much lower intensity than the direct X-ray beam, it is much more likely for the operator to be exposed to scattered X-rays and the damaging effects are cumulative from months and years of exposure.

Most states require that all medical personnel who work in the room during fluoroscopy wear protective equipment, typically a radiation resistant apron or the like providing protection equivalent to 0.25-0.5 mm of lead, depending on state regulations and the intensity of the X-ray source utilized. Depending on the thickness used, lead aprons absorb 90-99 percent of X-ray radiation striking the apron. However, they only protect the areas of the body that are covered and it is recommended that personnel who work frequently and in close proximity to the fluoroscope also wear additional protection, such as thyroid protectors, lead filled glasses and face shields. Exposed areas of the body are still susceptible to X-ray exposure.

Though necessary for radiation protection, the lead aprons are heavy and uncomfortable, resulting in fatigue and injuries. Back, knee and ankle injuries are common among personnel who frequently work in the fluoroscopy laboratory with a lead apron on. X-ray exposure, fatigue and injuries would all be expected to increase for operators involved in long, complex interventional procedures requiring fluoroscopic imaging.

Due to the incomplete radiation protection provided by lead aprons and leaded glasses and the increased likelihood of fatigue and injuries, it would be desirable to provide a radiation protection device that provides more complete protection and that reduces or eliminates the necessity for using heavy radiation protection garments. Such a device would ideally protect the fluoroscope operator and all nearby personnel from direct exposure to the X-ray beam and from scattered X-rays. The device should not interfere with the performance of the fluoroscopy or any diagnostic or therapeutic procedures performed during fluoroscopy. Preferably, the device would be free of other inconveniences to the operator or the patient. A truly effective radiation protection device could reduce the overall cost of radiation protection by eliminating the need for lead aprons and other protective gear and could even simplify the construction of the fluoroscopy suite in the hospital by decreasing the amount of radiation shielding necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In keeping with the foregoing discussion, the present invention provides a radiation protection device with one or more radiation shields that attach to the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. This will protect the operator from inadvertently being exposed to the direct X-ray beam and will eliminate a significant percentage of the scattered X-rays. To eliminate the remainder of the scattered X-rays that emanate from the patient, the radiation protection device may also include a blanket-like radiation shield that covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body. Optionally, the blanket-like radiation shield may be connected to the radiation shield(s) on the C-arm.

In one embodiment, the radiation protection device has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A slot or opening is provided to fit the radiation shield around the patient's body. A soft, flexible material surrounds the opening to comfortably fit the radiation shield to the contours of the patient's body and to accommodate some motion of the C-arm relative to the patient.

In another embodiment, the radiation protection device has a first conical or cylindrical radiation shield that extends from the X-ray source to the patient or to the procedure table and a second conical or cylindrical radiation shield that extends from the patient to the image intensifier. The first radiation shield and the second radiation shield have length or height adjustments to fit the device to the patient and to accommodate motion of the C-arm relative to the patient. A soft, flexible material surrounds the openings of the first radiation shield and the second radiation shield to comfortably fit them to the contours of the patient's body. Optionally, the radiation protection device has electric motors or the like for withdrawing and advancing the first radiation shield and the second radiation shield from contact with the patient so that the C-arm can be freely moved and repositioned relative to the patient. Optionally, the second radiation shield may have one or more hand ports to allow the operator to work on the area of the patient under the second radiation shield without withdrawing it from contact with the patient.

Each embodiment of the radiation protection device may also include a blanket-like radiation shield that covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art C-arm fluoroscopy system.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the radiation protection device mounted on the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a variation of the radiation protection device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the radiation protection device with a first radiation shield and a second radiation shield mounted on the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a radiation shield with a hand port.

FIG. 6 illustrates a radiation shield with two hand ports.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the radiation protection device with motors for extending and retracting the first radiation shield and the second radiation shield.

FIG. 8 illustrates a blanket-like radiation shield that covers the patient except the area that is being imaged.

FIG. 9 illustrates a radiation shield elevated slightly above and surrounding the patient.

FIG. 10 illustrates a radiation shield suspended from the X-ray source of the fluoroscopy system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art C-arm fluoroscopy system 100. The fluoroscope 100 includes an X-ray source 102 and an image intensifier 104 mounted on opposite ends of a C-arm 106. In use, the X-ray source 102 and the image intensifier 104 are placed on opposite sides of the portion of the patient's body to be imaged. The X-ray source 102 directs an X-ray beam through the patient's body toward the image intensifier 104, which captures the X-ray image and displays it on a monitor 108 in real time. Often, the X-ray source 102 is positioned below the patient and the image intensifier 104 is positioned above as shown, however for some applications these positions may be reversed or the C-arm 106 may be positioned horizontally. The system may also include electronic memory for storing and replaying fluoro images and a cine camera for capturing fluoro images on film. For catheterization laboratory use, the C-arm 106 will be mounted beside or at the head end of a procedure table. The C-arm 106 can be moved and rotated to position the X-ray source 102 and the image intensifier 104 for the best images of the target anatomy. Often, the X-ray source 102 is positioned below the patient and the image intensifier 104 is positioned above as shown, however for some applications these positions may be reversed or the C-arm 106 may be positioned horizontally or at an oblique angle.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the radiation protection device 110 mounted on the C-arm 106 of the fluoroscopy system 100. The radiation protection device 110 includes a radiation shield 112 of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm 106 of the fluoroscopy system 100, the X-ray source 102 and the image intensifier 104. The radiation shield 112 has a first approximately planar side wall 114 and a second approximately planar side wall 116 joined together by a peripheral wall 118. A slot or opening 120 through the first and second side walls 114, 116 and the peripheral wall 118 is provided to fit the radiation shield 112 around the patient's body and, optionally, the procedure table, as appropriate for the intended use. The back side of the peripheral wall 118 will have an opening or extended slot 126 for the support arm 128 that holds the C-arm 106. A pad 122 of soft, flexible material surrounds the opening 120 to comfortably fit the radiation shield to the contours of the patient's body and to accommodate some motion of the C-arm 106 relative to the patient. Optionally, the opening 120 can be covered with a material that is transparent to X-rays. The pad 122 around the opening 120 may be an inflatable or foam-filled rim of lead-filled rubber or other soft, conformable structure. The radiation protection device 110 may be joined directly to the C-arm 106 with fasteners and/or adhesives or it may be an independent structure that can be placed on and removed from the C-arm 106, for example with zippers, magnets, snaps, straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.

The radiation shield(s) in this and other embodiments may be made with lead shielding, a composite material or other X-ray opaque material. Preferably, the radiation shielding material will provide protection equivalent to 0.5 mm of lead or greater so that additional radiation protection will not be needed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,654 describes a composite X-ray opaque material with a triple layer structure. The first layer can be build from uranium, lead and gold among others. The second layer may be made of tin, and indium among others and the third layer made of zinc, copper, nickel and chromium among others. Optionally, the shielding material may be flexible, such as lead filled rubber, and it may be optically transparent, such as lead filled glass or a transparent X-ray opaque plastic. A flexible polymeric X-ray opaque material called DEMRON is available from Radiation Shielding Technologies.

FIG. 3 illustrates a variation of the radiation protection device 110 of FIG. 2 in which the radiation shield 112 has a C-arm attached portion 126 and a patient-stationary portion 128. An overlapping, sliding joint 130 between the C-arm attached portion 126 and the patient-stationary portion 128 allows a greater range of motion of the C-arm 106 relative to the patient. Optionally, a flap 124 of X-ray opaque material, preferably a flexible material, may be provided to cover a portion of the opening 120 after it has been passed around a body part. The flap 124 may be removably attached, for example using magnets, snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners.

In an alternate embodiment of the radiation protection device 110 of FIG. 2, the radiation shield 112 may be independently supported, so that it is held stationary relative to the patient, allowing the C-arm 106 to move independently within the radiation shield 112.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the radiation protection device 130 with a first radiation shield 132 and a second radiation shield 134 mounted on the C-arm 106 of the fluoroscopy system 100. The first radiation shield 132 is approximately conical or cylindrical in shape and extends from the X-ray source 102 to the patient, or to the procedure table 140 as appropriate for the body part being imaged. The second radiation shield 134 is also approximately conical or cylindrical in shape and extends from the image intensifier 104 to the patient. The radiation shields 132, 134 are typically open on the ends closest to the patient, but, optionally, the openings can be covered with a material that is transparent to X-rays.

The first radiation shield 132 and the second radiation shield 134 have length or height adjustments 136, 138 to fit the device to the patient and to accommodate motion of the C-arm 106 relative to the patient. The length or height adjustments 136, 138 may be configured as overlapping telescopic joints, expandable bellows joints or the like. A pad 142, 144 of soft, flexible material surrounds the openings of the first radiation shield 132 and the second radiation shield 134 to comfortably fit them to the contours of the patient's body. The pads 142, 144 around the openings may be an inflatable or foam-filled rim of lead-filled rubber or other soft, conformable structure. The length or height adjustments 136, 138 and the conformable pads 142, 144 allow for a significant degree of repositioning of the C-arm 106 relative to the patient without having to readjust the radiation shields 132, 134. Optionally, the length or height adjustments 136, 138 may be spring loaded with a light spring force to keep the radiation shields 132, 134 in contact with the patient when the C-arm 106 is adjusted without causing discomfort to the patient. For major repositioning of the C-arm 106, the radiation shields 132, 134 will preferably be withdrawn from contacting the patient in order to allow free motion of the C-arm 106.

Optionally, the second radiation shield 134 may have one or more hand ports to allow the operator to work on the area of the patient under the second radiation shield 134 without withdrawing it from contact with the patient. FIG. 5 illustrates a radiation shield 134 with a single hand port 150 large enough for both of the operator's hands and/or one or more instruments to fit through. The hand port 150 is preferably fitted with a closure 156 of radiation shielding material to prevent X-rays from escaping through the hand port 150. In one preferred embodiment, the closure comprises a plurality of overlapping flaps of flexible radiation shielding material that will allow a hand or instrument to pass through and will seal around the hand or instrument.

FIG. 6 illustrates a radiation shield with two hand ports 152, 154. Each of the hand ports 152, 154 is preferably fitted with a closure 156 of radiation shielding material to prevent X-rays from escaping through the hand ports 152, 154.

Preferably, when a hand port is included in the radiation protection device 130, at least a portion of the radiation shield 134 will be made of transparent radiation shielding material so that the operator can see the area under the radiation shield 134. If the operator needs to have the hands inside of the radiation shield 134 while the fluoroscope 100 is operating, it is highly recommended that radiation shielding gloves be worn. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of radiation shielding gloves could be incorporated into the hand ports 152, 154.

Optionally, the radiation protection device 130 may be motorized for extending and retracting the first radiation shield 132 and the second radiation shield 134 from contact with the patient so that the C-arm can be freely moved and repositioned relative to the patient. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the radiation protection device 130 with motors 156, 158 for extending and retracting the first radiation shield 132 and the second radiation shield 134. The motors 156, 158 may be electric motors with a rack and pinion mechanism, a scissors mechanism, or other mechanism 133, 135 for translating the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion of the radiation shields 132, 134. Optionally, the operating mechanism may be spring loaded with a light spring force to keep the radiation shields 132, 134 in contact with the patient when the C-arm 106 is adjusted without causing discomfort to the patient. For major repositioning of the C-arm 106, the radiation shields 132, 134 will preferably be withdrawn from contacting the patient in order to allow free motion of the C-arm 106. Alternatively, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators may be used in place of the electric motors.

Preferably, the radiation protection device 130 will also include sensors 160, 162, such as proximity sensors, optical sensors, contact sensors, etc., that will stop the telescopic extension of the radiation shields 132, 134 when they are in the right contact with the patient. One option would be to have the conforming pads 142, 144 around the openings of the radiation shields 132, 134 mechanized to operate in a coordinated sequence with the extension and retraction of the radiation shields 132, 134. In one example, the conforming pads 142, 144 could be inflatable. The radiation shields 132, 134 would extend telescopically with the pads 142, 144 deflated until the sensors 160, 162 detect close proximity or initial contact with the patient's body, then the radiation shields 132, 134 would stop extending and the pads 142, 144 would inflate to close any gap left between the radiation shields 132, 134 and the patient.

Alternately or in addition, force sensors connected with the motors 156, 158 could be used to sense when the radiation shields 132, 134 are in contact with the patient.

An interlock switch could be included to prevent the fluoroscope 100 from operating unless the sensors 160, 162 confirm that the radiation shields 132, 134 are in contact with the patient's body. In addition, one or more X-ray detectors could be positioned on or near the radiation protection device 130 outside of the radiation shields 132, 134 to detect X-ray leakage and connected to an interlock switch that shuts down the X-ray source if stray X-ray radiation is detected.

Each embodiment of the radiation protection device may also include a blanket-like radiation shield that covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body. Optionally, the blanket-like radiation shield may be connected to the radiation shield(s) on the C-arm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a blanket-like radiation shield 170 that covers the patient except the area that is being imaged. The blanket-like radiation shield 170 is preferably made of a flexible X-ray opaque material that covers most of the patient, except a fenestrated area 172 over the portion of the patient that is to be imaged. For catheter procedures, a second fenestration may be positioned over the vascular access site, for example the femoral or brachial artery or the jugular vein.

Preferably, the radiation shielding material will provide protection equivalent to 0.5 mm of lead or greater. Because scattered X-rays are only partially attenuated in the body, this level of protection will preferably extend at least to areas of the body within a meter of where the X-ray beam enters the patient's body. Optionally, the blanket-like radiation shield 170 may have a removable cover for patient comfort and for ease in sanitizing the patient-contact portions of the device. The removable cover may be washable and reusable or it may be a single-use sterile disposable cover.

FIG. 9 illustrates a radiation shield 180 elevated slightly above and surrounding the patient, except a fenestrated area 182 over the portion of the patient that is to be imaged. If a rigid radiation shielding material is used, the radiation shield 180 may be self-supporting. Otherwise, a flexible radiation shielding material supported on a frame over the patient.

In addition, another radiation shield may extend under the patient, with another fenestration under the portion of the patient to be imaged. Optionally, this radiation shield may be an extension of the blanket-like radiation shield 170, 180 that is over the patient. Alternatively, the procedure table may be made partially of radiation shielding material with an X-ray transparent portion beneath the portion of the patient to be imaged, however this option potential limits the usability of the procedure table for different types of procedures.

FIG. 10 illustrates a radiation shield 190 suspended from the X-ray source 102 of the fluoroscopy system 100. This is a curtain-like radiation shield 190 that hangs down between the X-ray source 102 and the floor to stop scattered X-ray radiation. This radiation shield 190 may be used separately or in combination with one of the embodiments of'the radiation protection device described above.

Alternatively or in addition, the radiation protection device may be used for protection from other types of radiation, for example gamma rays, that are used in medical or industrial imaging or other diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures.

While the present invention has been described herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments and the best mode for practicing the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, improvements and subcombinations of the various embodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. 

1. A radiation protection device for a fluoroscope of the type having an X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm, the radiation protection device comprising: a first radiation shield surrounding the X-ray source and extendable to contact a body of a patient positioned within the C-arm; a second radiation shield surrounding the image intensifier and extendable to contact the body of the patient positioned within the C-arm; a first motor for selectively extending and retracting the first radiation shield; and a second motor for selectively extending and retracting the second radiation shield.
 2. The radiation protection device of claim 1, wherein the first radiation shield is conical.
 3. The radiation protection device of claim 2, wherein the second radiation shield is conical.
 4. The radiation protection device of claim 1, wherein the first radiation shield is cylindrical.
 5. The radiation protection device of claim 4, wherein the first radiation shield is cylindrical.
 6. The radiation protection device of claim 1, wherein the first radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient.
 7. The radiation protection device of claim 6, wherein the second radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient.
 8. The radiation protection device of claim 1, further comprising a third radiation shield configured to cover a portion of the patient adjacent to, but not covering, the portion of the patient being imaged with the fluoroscope.
 9. The radiation protection device of claim 1, further comprising a first sensor configured for sensing proximity or contact of the first radiation shield with the patient and means for stopping the first motor from extending the first radiation shield when the first sensor detects proximity or contact with the patient's body.
 10. The radiation protection device of claim 9, further comprising a second sensor configured for sensing proximity or contact of the second radiation shield with the patient and means for stopping the second motor from extending the second radiation shield when the second sensor detects proximity or contact with the patient's body.
 11. A radiation protection device for a fluoroscope of the type having an X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm, the radiation protection device comprising: a radiation shield surrounding the X-ray source and an image intensifier mounted on a C-arm; the radiation shield having a first approximately planar side wall and a second approximately planar side wall joined together by a peripheral wall, slot-shaped opening through the first and second side walls and the peripheral wall configured to fit the radiation shield around a portion of a patient's body to be imaged.
 12. The radiation protection device of claim 11, wherein the opening in the radiation shield has a soft, conformable edge for contacting the surface of the patient.
 13. The radiation protection device of claim 11, wherein the radiation shield has a C-arm attached portion and a patient-stationary portion, and an overlapping, sliding joint allowing relative movement between the C-arm attached portion and the patient-stationary portion. 